Summary: On today’s episode of Causecasts we are so happy and honored to have Lee Silverstein, host of the WE Have Cancer Podcast, as our guest. Lee created this podcast a few years ago as a way to inspire hope and connection within the community of people affected by cancer. Lee’s positive and realistic outlook has directed the tone and reach of his work, which now has a humble yet committed and engaged following, and for Lee, there is nothing that he would rather be putting his time into. During our interview, he even shares that the years since his diagnosis have been the best of his life. After being diagnosed about 6 years ago, a fateful encounter with a friend and an emerging podcast community led to a clear realization of his path, one that he has followed with passion and dedication since. Our conversation includes this origin story of how WE Have Cancer was born; as well as some meditation on what it means to host a podcast with guests whose life expectancy is generally uncertain. Lee sees his work sharing these stories as the ultimate way to honor and provide grace for both guests and listeners, and has experienced the profound effect of this process himself. Lee also explains why he sees podcasting as such a powerful medium for the message he is broadcasting. He acknowledges the direct line it provides to the human voice and how it is something he has come to cherish greatly. As you might expect with a conversation such as this, it is both hopeful and sad, beautiful yet tragic, and this bittersweet atmosphere is touching on many levels. For a truly heartfelt and deeply inspiring discussion be sure to tune in to hear what Lee has to say. Key Topics: • How Lee wound up hosting a podcast dealing with cancer. (01:25) • Lee’s surprise at the lifespan and reach of his podcast. (03:37) • Hope and inspiration as the main reasons for Lee’s work. (04:55) • How Lee manages the emotional and physical toll of dealing with cancer as a topic. (06:57) • Lee’s connection to the podcast format and the uniqueness of his product. (09:07) • Audio and the human voice as an effective means of connection. (11:20) • A particularly meaningful relationship Lee had with an interviewee. (12:27) • Lee’s belief in serving and honoring those who have or will pass on. (15:29) • Advice from Lee to anyone thinking about starting a podcast with a cause. (17:41) • Why it is okay to get something out of a selfless service. (19:57) • Where Lee is at with his own personal journey and health. (22:22) • The difficulties that arise even with such an inspiring outlook. (24:34) • And much more! Support WE Have Cancer See the show notes and a transcript at http://www.causepods.org/podcast/lee-silverstein Thanks for Listening! Be sure to subscribe on Apple, Google, Android, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. And feel free to drop us a line at mathew@causepods.org. Stay up-to-date on Causepods by followng Mathew Passy on social media at Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter! For help, resources, and community support, please join the Causecasters’ Facebook Group if you are already producing podcasts for a cause or are thinking about launching one. And if you would like to be a guest on Causecasts, please fill out this form.
